GENERAL INFORMATION: If over 18 you MUST be on the Lease or else

I often have people ask me if their Boyfriend or Girlfriend or Parent 

can just "put me on the lease as an Occupant"...

The answer is maybe.  Some apartment complexes do allow an occupant status for income (Students or New Employment or No Employment) or rental history issues (Broken Leases or Evictions).

But usually, my clients are looking for a way to get past the criminal guideline restrictions.  An occupant status won't get you past a Deferred Adjudication for a Felony offense or a Felony conviction. By Texas law, everyone over the age of 18 must be on the lease.

The next question people ask me is "well, do I really need to be on the lease"? Or what can happen if I'm not on the lease? The answer is easy, the apartment complex can Evict the leaseholder and require them to pay for the apartment until such time as it is rented again PLUS ALL THE LEGAL AND COURT FEES.

In other words, this is a poor solution to the problem. I really feel that it isn't a solution.  Even if the complex "winks" at your presence (which most don't) it could cause a problem if the Courtesy Officer ever runs your plates, or the police are ever called to your apartment.

And if you ever get into an argument with your "significant other", you will have to leave the complex - you have no right to be there. 

Call me to get an apartment in your name. I work Monday - Saturday and I can be reached through my website:  www.AptFindFelons.com or at 832-303-3002.

Don't get evicted. Only one thing is worse than having a problem leasing with criminal issues on your background - that's having criminal issues and an eviction.

An eviction is the toughest problem to solve for most apartment locators.

GENERAL INFORMATION: Deferred Adjudication called different things in different states

Do other states have different "criminal terms"

They sure do...different classes of felonies, different terms, different everything.

I became aware that the only "standard" is that people are confused by the experience and how their attorney or Public Defender explained the charges. 

Other than the charges, here are some differences you need to be aware of:

3 Classes of felonies is the standard in Texas, some states have more classes.

Texas labels their misdemeanors A, B, C, but some states have numbered classes that can go up to 7 or more levels.

Some States have a category called Deferred Adjudication; Some call it a first offender status, others Conditional Dismissal.  They all have a different impact although they are similar in their aim.

Some states automatically seal deferred records once the offender completes probation - others only do if you pay an attorney to do it.

Some laws, which are misdemeanors in some states are considered felonies in others.  Example: a bad check in Arkansas for $258 will result in a Felony in Arkansas but only a misdemeanor in Texas.

I'm not an attorney, if you have specific questions about finding an apartment in DFW, Houston, San Antonio, or Austin - call me.  If you have a legal question, call an attorney.